Dr. Joaquín Montalvo Montes areas of expertise:

Professional statement

Leading specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics with great professional experience in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ultrasound. He is currently Head of Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of the Unit for Ultrasound and Prenatal Diagnosis in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital San Carlos de Madrid.

*Translated with Google translator. We apologize for any imperfection

Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

Childbirth is the time when childbirth occurs by leaving the womb, when nine months of gestation are met, as a rule, although they may occur prem
Childbirth is the time when childbirth occurs by leaving the womb, when nine months of gestation are met, as a rule, although they may occur prematurely. It is considered that labor starts when irregular uterine contractions and continuously, which are progressively increased in frequency and intensity appear. Alongside contractions, physiological changes in the cervix that eventually causing delivery. The pregnant woman should be moved to a hospital where he will receive all the relevant medical care. In some cases, birth control assistance and may require the help of anesthetic drugs or oxytocin, which is used when there are complications late. The ideal form of labor is when the baby is sliding down the mother's vagina spontaneously, without mediation of instruments or complications. But in many cases assistive devices during delivery, such as forceps, holding the baby's head to force him out are required. A lot of births are by Caesarean section, which is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made ​​in the abdomen and uterus to remove the baby when complications occur at birth.
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Under the term "birth preparation" set of tools that are useful to prospective parents the time to prepare for the birth of a baby from the begin
Under the term "birth preparation" set of tools that are useful to prospective parents the time to prepare for the birth of a baby from the beginning of pregnancy are included. They are usually briefings in which an introduction is made ​​to fetal development and existing medical checks, psychological aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, the delivery operation; quarantine period after birth, breastfeeding, etc. Besides, in practical classes in preparation for childbirth, a specialized instructor Teaching the pregnant body postures and exercises that will help provide greater elasticity to the muscular structures to facilitate the birth process, and breathing and relaxation techniques that will allow greater self-control at the time of labor contractions.
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Transvaginal ultrasound is a medical diagnostic technique used to examine the genitals of women, including the uterus, ovaries and cervix. Images are Transvaginal ultrasound is a medical diagnostic technique used to examine the genitals of women, including the uterus, ovaries and cervix. Images are formed by the use of ultrasound, and the physician observes a monitor by moving a probe while going through the area. The transvaginal ultrasound is usually done during pregnancy, when abnormal findings on physical examination (such as fibroid tumors or cysts), when there is abnormal vaginal bleeding and menstrual problems, pelvic pain, certain types of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, etc. Some of the problems that can be observed are the cancer of the uterus, ovaries, vagina, and other pelvic structures, as well as other infections and congenital abnormalities. ...

Condyloma, or genital wart is a disease that affects the skin area around the anus or genitals. Also called genital warts that appear as small warts gCondyloma, or genital wart is a disease that affects the skin area around the anus or genitals. Also called genital warts that appear as small warts grow in size and are spreading to the genital area. They are usually asymptomatic and, therefore, patients do not even know they have it until later. Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is a sexually transmitted disease in 95% of cases, so it is transmitted from person to person by direct contact, although other methods of transmission.
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Contraceptives prevent or reduce the chance of fertilization of women, thus preventing pregnancy and plan the best time to have a child. Currently, there are multiple types of contraception provided by oral, intravaginal and transdermal, injectable, by subcutaneous implant or physical means. Examples include the pill, the patch, the implant, the condom, vasectomy or IUD. Regarding its effectiveness, not all are classified in the same way, being abstinence and condom patches of the most reliable. The use of certain contraceptive methods such as condoms can prevent the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases.
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The contraceptive ring ( also called NuvaRing) is a method of birth control that contains artificial forms of the hormones that are normally produced in the ovaries of women: estrogen and progestin. These prevent the ovary from releasing an egg during her menstrual cycle; the progestin, also helps to prevent sperm from entering the uterus, causing the mucus that exists in the cervix becomes thick. It is a flexible ring about five inches in diameter to the same woman placed inside the vagina. It is a monthly contraceptive: it must remain in the vagina for three weeks;after, retires for a week. However, keep in mind that it can produce side effects such as nausea, vaginitis or breakthrough bleeding.
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Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder. You can be infected or not. Its main symptoms are burning sensation during urination, a strong urge to urinate, blood in urine and discomfort in the pelvic area. Cystitis caused by a bacterial infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Cystitis is more prevalent in women because they have shorter urethra and is closer to the anus.
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Endometrial polyp is a deformation which manifests itself in the uterine cavity. (Within the endometrium, the lining that covers the inside of the uterus). It may be of different size and shape, and has a slow growth, but sometimes it can occupy the entire endometrial cavity. Endometrial polyp is painless and usually does not cause problems, appearing especially in women past menopause. Signs of suspicion are: vaginal bleeding during or after menopause, excessive menstrual bleeding, heavy menstrual periods or longer than usual, cramps during or between periods, etc. Treatment or surgery for endometrial polyps usually require removal. Endometrial polyp operation is performed by hysteroscopy.
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The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes in humans. There are over 100 different types, most of them harmless, but some are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer or dysplasia (abnormal cell changes in the surface of the cervix). These are acquired through sexual contact with an infected partner, and can be low risk or high risk. The low-risk types can cause genital warts. The high-risk can cause cervical, vulva, vagina and anus cancer in women; and cancer of the penis and anus in men. It is possible that the affected person has no symptoms; in the case of women, regular Pap smears can detect changes in the cervix that may end up leading to cancer. There is no cure for HPV. The treatment of cervical dysplasia that does not go away, may include surgery to remove the abnormal tissue.
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The vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) is a vaccine that protects against certain strains of this virus, which can be the cause of most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts (both men and in women). The HPV vaccine can be given from 9 years, and is recommended for children aged 11 to 12. The reason is that it is more effective if it has not had any sexual contact and also because the response to it is greater than during adulthood. Papillomavirus vaccine may have some side effects, the most common of which are: fainting, dizziness, nausea, and skin reactions in the area where the shot was given.
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An intrauterine device (IUD) is a plastic or metal T-shaped the gynecologist placed in the uterus of women. It is one of the most effective methods to prevent pregnancy. Once in place, it stays within the uterine cavity until it ask the doctor to remove it, and has a cord attached to the end so that women can make sure the device is in place in each period. What the IUD is to prevent sperm from getting into the egg by changing the lining of the uterus. Among its advantages in addition to its effectiveness, is the fact that it is cheap, can prevent pregnancy between 5 and 10 years, it begins to work very quickly, and the woman does not feel it in your body, so it does not cause discomfort.
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Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland caused, generally, by infection. One cause may be lack of hygiene. But often occurs when a woman is breastfeeding, the skin of the nipples may crack and let the bacteria living on the skin penetrate the fatty tissue of the breast. The proliferation of bacteria produces an abscess it difficult exit milk ducts in the breast. The usual symptoms of breast inflammation include sore breasts, bloating, having a tender area and reddened, swollen glands in the armpits, fever, chills, fatigue, etc. To eliminate the infection, they are often prescribed antibiotics and analgesics for pain relief. Other recommendations are the local application of heat using wet cloths, extreme hygiene, removal of breast milk, getting enough rest and drink plenty of liquids. In any case, you can continue to breastfeed.
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It is called menopause to the disappearance of the menstrual periods of the woman permanently, because of the arrest of the ovarian cycle. At a certain age of the woman, the average is around 50 years, the ovaries produce less amount of estrogen and progesterone, which are female hormones. After this process the woman can no longer get pregnant. In the case of men this process is called andropause, which is the loss of sexual potency due to the low levels of the testosterone hormone in the body. The menopause process can last several years.
What symptoms does it present?
Menopause has symptoms such as changes in the menstrual cycle, insomnia, vaginal dryness, mood alteration, difficulty concentrating, hot flashes, weight gain, headache and more facial hair, among others. Some of these symptoms require medical treatment. For example, the intake of bioidentical hormones or the follow-up of a diet indicated to reduce the annoying symptoms.
Causes of menopause or why it occurs
Menopause occurs due to the low production of female hormones. Sometimes surgical menopause can occur, which is when a surgical treatment causes a decrease in estrogen. On the other hand, it is important to note that there are certain drugs such as those used for chemotherapy or hormone therapy for breast cancer that can cause menopause.
Can it be prevented?
Menopause is a part of a woman's natural development and can not be prevented. What you can do is take into account certain care to reduce the risk of long-term problems such as osteoporosis and heart disease. It is important not to smoke, exercise regularly, ingest calcium and vitamin D and control blood pressure and cholesterol.
What is the treatment?
The treatment may be a change in lifestyle or hormone therapy. The application of one or the other depends on many factors such as the severity of the symptoms, the general health and the preferences of the patient.
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The ovarian cyst is a sac or pouch filled with liquid that forms in the ovary or on it. The most common are functional cysts, which are formed as a result of ovulation, which are divided into follicular cysts, when the follicle does not open to release the egg; corpus luteum cysts, if the follicle that held the egg is sealed after release. Usually, no specific treatment is necessary since they produce mild symptoms and disappear on their own in about 6 or 7 weeks. In addition, the cysts are common in women of childbearing age, and are usually benign, but can also be malignant or cancerous. In many cases it may require treatment by surgery adequate ovarian cysts: in benign can only remove ovarian area becomes ill, through a laparoscopic intervention ovarian cyst; however, in the case of malignant cysts, often requires removing the entire ovary.
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Pelvic pain features occur in the lower abdomen as both intermittent steadily. Pelvic pain in women can occur during menstruation or during intercourse. It may be a sign that there is a problem in the pelvic organs such as the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes or the vagina. To discover the cause of the pain suffered by the patient, several clinical tests must be performed, and the treatment of pelvic pain depends on the results. Women may also experience an infection of the lining of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is caused by bacteria that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea.
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The polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance in the female ovaries or adrenal glands so they produce more male hormones than normal. The result is the development of cysts (tiny fluid-filled balloons) in the ovaries. Women can develop the syndrome during the teen years or reproductive age, being more common in obese women. Although sometimes no symptoms are experienced, it is common irregular, infrequent or absent menstrual periods are given. Other effects may include infertility, pelvic pain, excess hair on the face, chest, abdomen and fingers, hair loss or weak hair, acne, oily skin or dandruff. Birth control pills can help regulate the period and reduce male hormone levels, so treatment usually polycystic ovaries. When the ovaries produce multiple small cysts (no more than 1 cm in diameter), we speak of " micropoliquísticos ovaries syndrome ", which usually have the same symptoms. Likewise, treatment of micropoliquísticos ovaries may also be based on the administration of the contraceptive pill.
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Premenstrual syndrome is a cluster of physical symptoms and / or mood that women may have one to two weeks before menstruation and disappear when it starts. The vast majority of women experience at least one of these symptoms: joint pain, tender and swollen breasts, migraine, acne, fatigue, constipation, irritability, hot flashes, depression, changes in mood, loss of interest in sex , etc. Sometimes they are severe enough to interfere with their normal life. There is no definitive treatment of premenstrual syndrome, but it is generally recommended to exercise regularly, take medications such as analgesics or evening primrose and follow a healthy diet (avoiding sugars, refined foods by substituting whole, reducing fat ... ).
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Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the bladder, which means that you can not always hold urine. It can affect anyone, but is most common in people over 50 years. Most control problems occur because the muscles that keep the bladder are too weak or too active. If they are weak, small amounts of urine to perform actions such as laughing or coughing are lost, which is known as stress incontinence. On the contrary, if they are too active, you can have an urgent need to go to the bathroom while having little urine in the bladder (urge incontinence or overactive bladder). Other causes include prostate problems and neurological damage. The treatment of urinary incontinence depends on the cause and type, but in general usually includes simple exercises, medicines and special devices. Surgery may be helpful at times.
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Vaginitis is a vaginal inflammation, usually due to an infection. The causes may be chemical or traumatic. Chemical due to the use of some creams or aggressive soaps near the vagina or urethra. Traumatic or external causes that cause inflammation of the vagina can range from sexual intercourse without sufficient lubrication or too aggressive, or practice sports without the necessary clothing. Sometimes, symptoms may go unnoticed, but usually present an abnormally excessive secretion, burning, painful urination, intercourse discomfort and irritation in the vulva and vagina. Treatment of vaginitis may be a cream or gel which is introduced into the vagina. Anyway, even if symptoms disappear, the infection may still be dormant.
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Thrush is an infection caused by the fungus Candida, the most common is Candida albicans. It is found in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract and skin, often without causing infection. However, the amount of Candida albicans may increase leading to a yeast infection. Most women have a yeast infection throughout their lives.
The causes of candidiasis are:
-Be Taking antibiotics used to treat other types of infections.
-be Pregnant.
Ser obese.
-Having Diabetes.
- Thrush is not spread through sexual contact. But some men may have a rash on the penis after sexual contact.
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